On the night of September 21, a UFC 229 press conference was held in New York on the eve of the Nurmagomedov vs. McGregor fight, which will be held on October 6 in Las Vegas.

Nurmagomedov promised to "maul" the Irishman, adding that McGregor goes to battle “for money” and he – “for heritage.” “Your grappling is zero. I’m gonna maul you,” Russian athlete tells. McGregor calls Nurmagomedov a "coward" and "liar" several times. Then Khabib states "How I feel? I don't feel anything, because I never want to take the picture with someone. Doesn't matter with the president or with someone..." Are you disrespecting your president Vladimir Putin!?" McGregor keenly interjected. The meeting ended with a traditional face off.

Nurmagomedov vs. McGregor fight is the most expectative MMA event of the year. It will be held on October 6. McGregor is one of the most popular fighters of the UFC, he won 21 times and faced only three defeats. Nurmagomedov became the first Russian to win the title of UFC champion. The opponent did not lose a single match in his career.

The conflict between the athletes fuels hype around the fight. Khabib Nurmagomedov's companions argued with Conor McGregor's friend, after which the Irishman attacked the bus in which the Russian fighter was. In late July, the New York court sentenced McGregor to five days of community service.